Georgia, Tbilisi, July 19 / Trend corr. N. Kirtskhalia /
Turkish Defense Minister Ismet Yilmaz during a bilateral meeting in Batumi with Georgia's President said that Turkey is one of the most reliable partners of Georgia on the path to joining NATO.
According to Mikheil Saakashvili, Turkey has always helped Georgia, "even when, after 2008, many turned their backs on us and we had hard. Turkey assisted us in building the army and out of the crisis" - Saakashvili said.
The President of Georgia said that Turkey is a "great friend" of Georgia, and confirms that all the time. "We are grateful to Turkey for support us and help in building our army," - he said.
In turn, Yilmaz said that Turkey strongly supports Georgia's aspiration to join NATO. "Georgia's joining NATO is a guarantee of security in the region and Turkey will do everything to make it happen in the near future," - he said.
The Turkish minister said his country in all international forums, clearly captures their support in favor of Georgia joining NATO. "This position of principle will continue in the future," - he said.
Turkish Defense Minister arrived in Georgia on Wednesday and will leave the country tonight.